A tail wag or a gentle purr as you sit down with your furbaby after a long day of work may leave you feeling a bit guilty for being gone all day, but it doesn’t mean that your pet isn’t happy. As an animal lover, but a human who has to work and accomplish things outside of the home, you may wonder if your furbaby is truly happy.

Life seems to speed up this time of year. You have more hours at work, fewer daylight hours, colder temps, holidays on the mind, and all the stressors that come with it all. The reality is that pets get less of their owners during this time of the year. It may not make you feel good, but it’s true. Instead of feeling bad about it - do something about it! Take time to wake up early and take advantage of the earlier sunrises. You can run your dog, play with your cat, maybe even get in a workout before work! You can also hire a dog walker to come in the afternoon if work is overly demanding this season. Your furbaby loves you, no matter what, but you will be able to see it if you put forth just a little more effort.

Signs Your Furbaby is Happy

Your Dog Begs For Affection

A happy dog rubs his head on you, and he asked for his belly to be rubbed. Even if your dog is not a known velcro dog, true happiness may bring him uncomfortably close to you!

Your Cat Greets You

Your cat will meet you in the morning if he is happy. You can simply walk down the stairs and he will be there. He will rub his body against your legs and ankles, his tail will go up, and his ears will perk up, too.

Your Furbaby Eats

An unhappy animal does not eat well. A happy animal eats consistent meals every day. If your furbaby is eating normal, without fussing, you have a pretty happy pet.

Your Dog is Ready to Run

A happy dog will hear the leash being picked up; he will bring you your running shoes. A happy dog knows what exercise feels like with you and craves it. The tail will be wagging at the same moment that you start thinking about heading outside.

Your Pet Sleeps

Happy animals sleep well. Dogs sleep between 15-18 hours a day! Cats also spend long hours napping the day away. This is a sign of health, comfort, and happiness.

Your Cat Purrs and Cuddles

Purring only happens when happiness occurs. A happy cat will purr often. Your furbaby will also curl up on your lap when he is happy.

Your Cat Plays and Your Dog Hunts

Cats that engage in playing, chasing, and catching toys are happy, and the same goes for dogs that spend time sniffing around, chasing lizards, or hunting backyard predators.